The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has dismissed national team head coach Pape Thiaw following the country’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision was announced on Sunday after a meeting of the federation’s executive committee, which also approved the dismissal of the entire coaching staff.
In a statement, the federation confirmed that proceedings had begun to officially relieve Thiaw and his assistants of their duties.
“Following a meeting of the FSF executive committee, it was decided to initiate proceedings to relieve national team coach Pape Thiaw, as well as the entire coaching staff, of their duties,” the statement read.
The federation also announced that FSF President Abdoulaye Fall will address the media on Monday to explain the reasons behind the decision and outline the team’s future plans.
Thiaw, a former Senegal international, was appointed head coach in 2024.
Although he guided the Lions of Teranga to the knockout stage of the World Cup, Senegal’s campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion after a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32.
The West African side had looked set for victory after taking a 2-0 lead, only to concede twice late in normal time before losing in extra time.
Senegal’s World Cup journey also included group-stage defeats to France and Norway, while a convincing 5-0 victory over Iraq secured their place in the knockout rounds.
Despite winning the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year under Thiaw, Senegal were later stripped of the title after walking off the pitch during the chaotic final against Morocco.
The federation is expected to announce plans for appointing a new head coach in the coming weeks.
Source: AFP.
